Greystones
Greystones (Na Clocha Liatha in Irish) is a coastal town in County Wicklow, Ireland, just south of Bray. Greystones has two beaches. The North Beach at the harbour is a stony beach and some of its length is ovelooked by the ever-eroding cliffs of Bray head (south). The second beach is to the south of the 'grey stones'. It is a sandy beach and extends to about a half mile long. It is quite an expansive beach and receives many visitors during the summertime. Greystones now has the southern terminal station of the DART line. The town is surrounded by the Irish sea to the East, Bray Head to the North and the Wicklow Mountains to the West.
Greystones is a dormitory town with many of its residents working in the nearby city of Dublin and has experienced a huge increase in its population since the 1970s, with the construction of several large housing estates. As of the national census of 2002, Greystones had a population of 10,303 with a further 1,610 in its environs, making it the second largest town in County Wicklow. The population is expected to have risen by 60% by the time of next census, largely as a result of the construction of Charlesland, a new housing project just south of the town with over 1,000 dwelling units. Today (early 2006), the population is estimated at 15,000.
Indeed, the population of Greystones has expanded steadily over the last 25 years. Some residents are concerned that over-population may result, and the town and its surrounding landscapes could be damaged.
Because of continuing housing developments over the years, road networks and facilities have been improved to cater for the growth. The road between Greystones and Bray has been widened and realigned; however completion of a new connecting dual carriageway to the N11 has been delayed by the presence of an illegal landfill in its path. A temporary connection is scheduled to come into operation in the Spring of 2006.
Politics
Greystones is part of the Ireland East EU constituency and the Wicklow Dáil constituency. In local government Greystones has four councillors on Wicklow County Council. It has a town council with nine councillors, headed by the Mayor. Though it is larger in population than Arklow and Wicklow towns, Greystones has been limited to Town Council status while its two smaller neighbours enjoy Urban District status, which gives them greater autonomy and control of their own finances. This is expected to change as continued development and population takes place in the town.
The biggest issue in the small coastal town is the proposed €300 million redevelopment scheme for the harbour, which includes 375 4 1/2 story apartments, 65,000 sq feet of commercial space, 1,000 car parking spaces a a large private marina. This is to be built by the Sispar consortium in a public-private partnership with Wicklow County Council. The majority of the local population are against it. 6,210 submissions from the people of Greystones have been received by the Planning Appeals Board, An Bord Pleanala objecting to this commercial development. The main criticisms of the project are its scale and awful architecture which would destroy the rural setting of the harbour area. The rate of Coastal Erosion will also be accelerated by the development on the soft shorelines of the north beach area by the oversized structures of the development. An oral hearing is to be held on 30 March 2006 in Bray.
Famous residents
Greystones and its environs (including Delgany) are home to several Irish celebrities including:
- Bryan McFadden, singer of Westlife fame
- Ronnie Drew, of The Dubliners
- Dustin the Turkey, formerly of Irish TV children's show The Den, now seen on Dustin's Daily News
- Damien Rice, an internationally popular Irish singer/songwriter
- Eamonn de Buitlear, renowned wildlife film maker and naturalist
Sport and clubs
The town has a plentiful supply of local clubs and caters for many sporting needs. Greystones Tennis, Rugby and GAA ( Eire Og Greystones GAA) clubs are located on the Mill Road at the south end of the town and offer well-equipped and modern facilities. The town also has a successful soccer club, Greystones United FC, which is based near the harbour in Darcy's field.
Education
Greystones has four primary schools: St. Kevin's NS, St. Bridgid's NS, St. Lawrence's NS and St. Patrick's NS. St. Patrick's is a Church of Ireland school whereas the three others are Catholic national schools.
The town also has a secondary school; St. David's Holy Faith; which is a semi-private, non fee-paying, mixed gender school. It has approximately 500 students, and belongs to the Holy Faith Order.
Interesting fact
Greystones became part of television history in 1995 when its Ormonde cinema featured in an episode of the Channel 4 television comedy show Father Ted entitled 'The Passion Of St Tibulus'.
See also
External Link
- http://www.greystonesmarina.com/: The Greystones Protection and Development Association, an organsation strongly opposed to the proposed development of the harbour.